Taste of Soul Creator and Sentinel Executive Publisher Danny Bakewell Sr. announced this week that newly elected Mayor Eric Garcetti will serve as one of four chairs of the prestigious ‘Taste of Soul and Family Festival’ that will unfold before hundreds of thousands for the 8th time on Crenshaw Blvd. on Oct. 19th.

“We are pleased to welcome the Honorable Mayor Eric Garcetti as Chair to the 2013 Taste of Soul. He has always been supportive and we look forward to his leadership this year in making the 2013 Taste of Soul one of the biggest and best ever,” Bakewell released in a statement.

Joining Mayor Garcetti as chair of ‘Taste of Soul’ will be Second District Supervisor Mark Ridley- Thomas, Council President Herb Wesson, Council member’s Bernard Parks.

‘Taste of Soul’ Wesson indicated that he expects the same excitement;

“The ‘8th Annual Taste of Soul’ promises to be another community spectacular! It’s again my honor to be a Co-Chair of this amazingly successful event, and I want to welcome everyone in Southern California to Crenshaw Boulevard. You and your family will experience the incredible food and entertainment that’s been planned. I look forward to seeing you!”

Parks added; “The Taste of Soul Family Festival has been such a treat to go to year after year. I can’t wait until October 19th when people from all over will descend on Crenshaw Boulevard to taste the delicacies and enjoy the sights and sounds our community has to offer. ‘Together We’re Amazing’ is a fitting theme for this year’s event and embodies our community’s positive and collaborative spirit.”

“Taste of Soul is an exceptional event in the heart of the Crenshaw community that celebrates family, music and yes – delicious food. Whether your taste ranges from burgers to barbeque, gumbo or a gourmet salad, the Taste of Soul is always a wonderful experience. Since its inception eight years ago, it’s become a South Los Angeles tradition, and now like so many Angelenos, I look forward to it every year,” said Ridley-Thomas.

Recognized as one of the largest street festivals in America, and the biggest in Los Angeles, ‘Taste of Soul’ has attracted close to one million Angelenos since its inception and this year will continue to grow.

Last year alone, an estimated 300,000 people, some of those being families from all over the state and U.S. converged on Crenshaw Blvd. for a day that serves as the major economic engine for local vendors and merchants.

The event celebrates the community and the African American culture through exhibits of food, music and entrepreneurships.

Complementing the host neighborhood of Crenshaw by allowing residents to invite their families and friends to celebrate their community.

Bakewell selected ‘Taste of Soul’s Chairs and Co-Chairs who believe in the atmosphere of Black culture that ‘Taste of Soul’ represents, which resonates with this year’s theme “We’re Amazing Together.”

Each of co-chairs praised their involvement with ‘Taste of Soul.’

“I am pleased to join with the Los Angeles Sentinel as Co-Chair of the 8th Annual Taste of Soul 2013. The Taste of Soul is a culturally rich event celebrating Angelenos of all ages. Much like a street fair, folks come together from across our great city to the Crenshaw corridor and surrounding South L.A. neighborhoods. It’s a great way to connect our diverse communities through food provided by local restaurants and eateries, featured entertainment from popular entertainers & music artists, and local talent, and an array of merchandise for sale at vendors’ booths. The Taste of Soul is the place to be on Saturday, October 19. I hope everyone will come out join in the festivities,” Price explained.

Hall praised Bakewell saying, “I’m most honored to serve as a Co-Chair of the 8th annual Taste of Soul. Mr. Bakewell and the Los Angeles Sentinel have taken this momentous occasion to levels beyond belief. Congratulations Mr. Bakewell.”

“I am very excited in my first year as an Assembly member to partner with the Bakewell Company on the 8th Annual Taste of Soul street festival. This is an uplifting, enriching community event that has set a new standard of excellence when it comes to cultural and civic pride. And although it has its roots in the African American community, the entire city of Los Angeles, with all of its ethnic diversity, is included in the theme ‘Together We’re Amazing,” said Jones-Sawyer

““I am delighted to be one of the co-chairs for the upcoming Taste of Soul event. This event is important as a showcase for local vendors and retailers within the community, and as a resource to residents, who may be unfamiliar with the services provided by civic and community-based organizations. Additionally, Taste of Soul provides a fantastic opportunity to socialize with others and enjoy great entertainment,” concluded LaMotte.

“The 8th Annual 2013 Taste of Soul is a great festival that brings us all together for a memorable day of family, food, music, and lots of fun,” asserted Attorney Bob McNeil.